BDFL County Cup Action

Bromsgrove & District Football League

Back to County Cup action for Week 12 of the BDFL programme and a mixed bag of results with a couple of surprise turnovers but we are still flying in the Junior Cup.

In the WFA Premier Cup, we only have one representative still standing and that is WCT Youth Raiders who beat arch rivals The Gloster Arms 3-1 thanks to a double from Anthony Smith and one from Toby Attwood. VBG Fairfield are finding the County Premier Cup a difficult nut to crack as they bowed out on spot kicks, after drawing 3-3 in normal time with Stourport Swifts. Goals from Richard Bishop, Laurence Martin (a low free kick) and Dan Wilkes, although Wilkes thought he had another but the ball was reckoned to have not crossed the line. Ellis Blakemore and Ryan Molesworth the men whose missed spot kicks proved costly. Belbroughton Athletic unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition this morning.

In the WFA Minor Cup, we are down to one representative and this came courtesy of a walkover so it’s up to you Bromsgrove Corinthians in the next Conference date! We expected Callowbrook Green to have too much for St Peters from Worcester Division 4 but they went out by a disappointing 4-2 scoreline, perhaps a few too missing on a drinking session in Nottingham. Queens Head took care of Pat Sullivan’s FC Bromsgrove (6-2) whilst Stoke Sporting Reserves limped out at Lionfields, a 6-0 victory for the Kidderminster League side. SSR didn’t help themselves by having to play with ten men for some of the game after Ollie Clayton’s needless red card for foul and abusive language.

In the WFA Junior Cup, we march on and lots of our teams are into Round 3. Division 2 Meadow Park got the better of Division 1 Spa Athletic 2-0 in the BDFL derby game whilst Rednal Social Club enjoyed their long trip to Harvington Cricket Club coming away with a 4-2 victory over Harvington thanks to Ben Markall’s brace and one a piece for Kyle Morrison and Ryan Vaughan. Bartley Green Illey Sunday and Northfield Athletic both won their respective games 9-1 against Areley Kings and Cropthorne and these games proved to be a C easier than anticipated. In the case of Northfield, Reiss Brians was their hat-trick hero and when he scored the opening two goals inside the first 17 minutes, you sensed it was going to be a home win. Josh Moore and Daniel Gibbs had made it 4-0 by the half-time whistle was blown and the goalscoring spree continued in the second half too with Brians getting his hat-trick done and dusted by the 58th minute. With the Cropthorne defenders now tiring, Northfield took full advantage with Michael Teji netting on 60 and the stylish John Jackson on 79. Paul Newman scored on 83 before Cropthorne’s consolation on 84 past stand in keeper Luke Bench; The goals were topped off by Teji’s stunning free-kick on 89 to round off a classy home win. All of this high scoring continues without star man Jason Cowley who is believed to be out of action for a period of time with his foot currently in one of those large moon boots!

Bartley Green Illey Sunday also had hat-trick heroes in their ranks today with their 9-1 win, experienced old heads Colin Tandy and Carl Martin both netting three goals each, with the returning Jon Myrie two and the slick dresser Danny Lawrence with another. Stoke Sporting remain in fine form and they saw off a potential banana skin with a 6-1 win over LPR in another all BDFL clash. Michael Griffiths opened the scoring early on (which might actually be an own goal), before LPR equalized after Stoke lost their heads at a corner kick and allowed an all too easy concede. James Chaffe put Stoke ahead before half-time and the natives in the adjacent caravans were happy despite the game being scrappy. In the second half, Stoke made it 3-1 when Ryan Cooper found the head of Nick Baker before he repeated the assist, this time for PJ Warman to net at 4.1. Ben Johnson netted a fifth, another debatable goal in respect of being awarded to that player when an own goal looked favourite, before Paul Badger became yet another different scorer with the sixth. Nobody will want to play Stoke Sporting whilst they are in this mood. Sporting Rednal were also successful and their 4-1 win over Evesham League big boys (and unbeaten big boys!) Bretferton Old Boys is a stunning result. Bretferton were taking this game very seriously with their warm up and early arrival, but Rednal’s high energy levels won the early exchanges and it was no surprise when Josh Campbell headed home Michael Connolly’s centre for the opening goal. Bretferton counter-attacked well and equalized through this, before missing a glaring chance to go ahead. Rednal’s second goal came in a role reversal of the opener, Connolly this time scoring after Campbell’s set up. Andy Gibson’s goal in the second half after wonderful team play gave Rednal a crucial two goal lead and they needed it as Bretferton went on the attack and were unfortunate to hit the woodwork twice. Anton Gardner Bennett’s fourth goal was the icing for Rednal on a fine win against good opposition, a great boost for the BDFL to despatch a team such as Bretferton which would have been unheard of five years ago. Unfortunately Wychbold RBL weren’t able to make it a perfect Junior Cup day as they lost 3-0 to Worcester Saints, who are fast becoming a bogey side having knocked out three BDFL teams already from various competitions – Let’s hope one of our sides can get revenge in the next round!

In the Bridgwater Cup and LMS Shield, two more group games were chalked off. Chaps United after a week off had a 6-3 win over Stoke Prior, whilst in Group B of the LMS Shield, Conway Albion went top of that group after a 3-1 victory over GLA. In an evenly matched first half, Conway had decent possession but weren’t able to do a lot with it. The opening goal came in the 33rd minute when Conway fell asleep as Luke Benson’s stuttering run up for a free kick saw him kick the ball just after the referee’s whistle and the defence watched as James Burrows headed home. Benson then missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 after fast counter attacking play; The outstanding GLA evergreen veteran Stee Collett held the ball up, pushed it wide to Sam Partridge who galloped on and put it across the area to the onrushing Benson who scuffed his shot wide. Conway had been well in the game up until the first goal, with Joel Francis, Niall Cole and Matt Jordan all showing trickery of the highest BDFL Division 1 quality. In the second half, Conway equalized after 50 minutes when Simon White was out-muscled and Jordan fired home from 8 yards. Conway scored again midway through the half when a fine left wing ball was attacked with precision by Cole who poked home a lovely finish from near the penalty spot. With Collett, Partridge and Benson all surprisingly taken off, the GLA threat now came from Marcus Allbutt and he missed a glorious chance to equalize but fired over from 6 yards, whilst Hereward Davies had to be at his best to tip over Darren Roland’s effort. Conway sealed the game with a stunning own goal from GLA left back Shaun Nash on 84 minutes which caused a great deal of on pitch chuckling – The ball was delivered into the box but in attempting to clear it for a corner, Nash smashed it into the top corner from 15 yards out to give himself the chance to take over the mantle from Brett Griffin as the scorer of the best ever own goal! Conway saw the game out with ease and a 3-1 scoreline was probably just about right given Conway had the better of the possession in the second half – A good game played by both sides in a cracking spirit.

Two internal cup matches to review next and both of them were decided on penalties. Rubery Athletic and Alcester Town had a frustrating 90 minutes with no goals in the WA Harris Cup Round 1 match, so straight to the shoot out and Spencer Hunt saved 3 penalties for the home side as they edged through 3-2. In the Premier Cup quarter-final, Lickey End Social had got themselves into the driving seat with a 3-1 half time lead over Thomas Brothers, before Brothers came back in the second to force the shoot out, which they won 4-3. Goals for the Brothers in normal time came courtesy of Ian Wroe, Daniel Price and an own goal; Brothers now face Belbroughton Athletic away in the semi-final.

Six League games complete this weeks review and in Division 1, Bromsgrove United are up to fifth place after a 4-0 home win over AFC Northfield. Jahmal Trevis, Jamie Halsall, Brad Bullimore and the now traditional own goal the scorers.

Division 2 action saw Hizza United score yet another hatful, this time double figures, as they notched up an 11-3 victory over bottom side Bridgefield, a result which moves them up to fourth place. Woodgate Valley are up to third place after a 5-2 home win over Bromsgrove Brentnal whilst Rubery Juniors had a great game at Hewell, coming away 7-3 victors. In-form Dean Hodges scored the first two, one from the spot, before Hewell pegged them back with a pocket rocket shot. James Mcdonald netted the third Juniors goal just before the half-time oranges, heading home Jake Wickett’s measured flag kick. Wicketts got in on the scoring act for Juniors fourth goal before Rob Beadle netted the fifth. Juniors started to panic when Hewell hit two quick goals to bring it back to 5-3. Ryan Khan left helpless in goal, but Wicketts with two more composed finishes saw the job through and the three points were heading back to Baytree Farm in safe keeping along with a mid table league placing.

In Division 3, Laburnum’s dismal season continued as Rubery scored another load of goals past them, the league leaders putting 11 past Wez Daniel’s men to open up a 12 point lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Arrow Valley were involved in another high scoring game, this time with Chaddesley Corbett Reserves who will be kicking themselves that they didn’t take the points, having raced into a 3 goal lead early doors. The next four goals went Valley’s way before Chadds equalized for what would have been a fair point, however disaster struck in the dying embers of the match as Jay Russell netted the winner (other Valley goals coming from Rob Voice with a brace, Garry Harvey and Jamie Callaghan).

So all in all, a decent week’s action and as we move into November, we’ll be starting up weather watch again and our formal link up with the weather forecasters will re-commence as we attempt to keep an eye on what games will survive as Winter edges closer. It’s the Worcester Nursing Cup Round 2 next week so we wish our six teams in this competition the best of luck whilst we have some internal cup games to relish, including the Stoke Prior derby as Stoke Prior take on Stoke Sporting Reserves in the Rose Bowl quarter-final; Two out of form sides and we guess anything could happen! Alcester Town and Thomas Brothers face off in the Prem whilst Spa Athletic v Conway Albion will be a competitive game in the first tier. With Division 2 and Division 3 sides also in league action, we’ll have a full round up next Sunday as usual

Back to County Cup action for Week 12 of the BDFL programme and a mixed bag of results with a couple of surprise turnovers but we are still flying in the Junior Cup.

In the WFA Premier Cup, we only have one representative still standing and that is WCT Youth Raiders who beat arch rivals The Gloster Arms 3-1 thanks to a double from Anthony Smith and one from Toby Attwood. VBG Fairfield are finding the County Premier Cup a difficult nut to crack as they bowed out on spot kicks, after drawing 3-3 in normal time with Stourport Swifts. Goals from Richard Bishop, Laurence Martin (a low free kick) and Dan Wilkes, although Wilkes thought he had another but the ball was reckoned to have not crossed the line. Ellis Blakemore and Ryan Molesworth the men whose missed spot kicks proved costly. Belbroughton Athletic unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition this morning.

In the WFA Minor Cup, we are down to one representative and this came courtesy of a walkover so it’s up to you Bromsgrove Corinthians in the next Conference date! We expected Callowbrook Green to have too much for St Peters from Worcester Division 4 but they went out by a disappointing 4-2 scoreline, perhaps a few too missing on a drinking session in Nottingham. Queens Head took care of Pat Sullivan’s FC Bromsgrove (6-2) whilst Stoke Sporting Reserves limped out at Lionfields, a 6-0 victory for the Kidderminster League side. SSR didn’t help themselves by having to play with ten men for some of the game after Ollie Clayton’s needless red card for foul and abusive language.

In the WFA Junior Cup, we march on and lots of our teams are into Round 3. Division 2 Meadow Park got the better of Division 1 Spa Athletic 2-0 in the BDFL derby game whilst Rednal Social Club enjoyed their long trip to Harvington Cricket Club coming away with a 4-2 victory over Harvington thanks to Ben Markall’s brace and one a piece for Kyle Morrison and Ryan Vaughan. Bartley Green Illey Sunday and Northfield Athletic both won their respective games 9-1 against Areley Kings and Cropthorne and these games proved to be a lot easier than anticipated. In the case of Northfield, Reiss Brians was their hat-trick hero and when he scored the opening two goals inside the first 17 minutes, you sensed it was going to be a home win. Josh Moore and Daniel Gibbs had made it 4-0 by the half-time whistle was blown and the goalscoring spree continued in the second half too with Brians getting his hat-trick done and dusted by the 58th minute. With the Cropthorne defenders now tiring, Northfield took full advantage with Michael Teji netting on 60 and the stylish John Jackson on 79. Paul Newman scored on 83 before Cropthorne’s consolation on 84 past stand in keeper Luke Bench; The goals were topped off by Teji’s stunning free-kick on 89 to round off a classy home win. All of this high scoring continues without star man Jason Cowley who is believed to be out ofaction for a period of time with his foot currently in one of those large moon boots!

Bartley Green Illey Sunday also had hat-trick heroes in their ranks today with their 9-1 win, experienced old heads Colin Tandy and Carl Martin both netting three goals each, with the returning Jon Myrie two and the slick dresser Danny Lawrence with another. Stoke Sporting remain in fine form and they saw off a potential banana skin with a 6-1 win over LPR in another all BDFL clash. Michael Griffiths opened the scoring early on (which might actually be an own goal), before LPR equalized after Stoke lost their heads at a corner kick and allowed an all too easy concede. James Chaffe put Stoke ahead before half-time and the natives in the adjacent caravans were happy despite the game being scrappy. In the second half, Stoke made it 3-1 when Ryan Cooper found the head of Nick Baker before he repeated the assist, this time for PJ Warman to net at 4.1. Ben Johnson netted a fifth, another debatable goal in respect of being awarded to that player when an own goal looked favourite, before Paul Badger became yet another different scorer with the sixth. Nobody will want to play Stoke Sporting whilst they are in this mood. Sporting Rednal were also successful and their 4-1 win over Evesham League big boys (and unbeaten big boys!) Bretferton Old Boys is a stunning result. Bretferton were taking this game very seriously with their warm up and early arrival, but Rednal’s high energy levels won the early exchanges and it was no surprise when Josh Campbell headed home Michael Connolly’s centre for the opening goal. Bretferton counter-attacked well and equalized through this, before missing a glaring chance to go ahead. Rednal’s second goal came in a role reversal of the opener, Connolly this time scoring after Campbell’s set up. Andy Gibson’s goal in the second half after wonderful team play gave Rednal a crucial two goal lead and they needed it as Bretferton went on the attack and were unfortunate to hit the woodwork twice. Anton Gardner Bennett’s fourth goal was the icing for Rednal on a fine win against good opposition, a great boost for the BDFL to despatch a team such as Bretferton which would have been unheard of five years ago. Unfortunately Wychbold RBL weren’t able to make it a perfect Junior Cup day as they lost 3-0 to Worcester Saints, who are fast becoming a bogey side having knocked out three BDFL teams already from various competitions – Let’s hope one of our sides can get revenge in the next round!

In the Bridgwater Cup and LMS Shield, two more group games were chalked off. Chaps United after a week off had a 6-3 win over Stoke Prior, whilst in Group B of the LMS Shield, Conway Albion went top of that group after a 3-1 victory over GLA. In an evenly matched first half, Conway had decent possession but weren’t able to do a lot with it. The opening goal came in the 33rd minute when Conway fell asleep as Luke Benson’s stuttering run up for a free kick saw him kick the ball just after the referee’s whistle and the defence watched as James Burrows headed home. Benson then missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 after fast counter attacking play; The outstanding GLA evergreen veteran Stee Collett held the ball up, pushed it wide to Sam Partridge who galloped on and put it across the area to the onrushing Benson who scuffed his shot wide. Conway had been well in the game up until the first goal, with Joel Francis, Niall Cole and Matt Jordan all showing trickery of the highest BDFL Division 1 quality. In the second half, Conway equalized after 50 minutes when Simon White was out-muscled and Jordan fired home from 8 yards. Conway scored again midway through the half when a fine left wing ball was attacked with precision by Cole who poked home a lovely finish from near the penalty spot. With Collett, Partridge and Benson all surprisingly taken off, the GLA threat now came from Marcus Allbutt and he missed a glorious chance to equalize but fired over from 6 yards, whilst Hereward Davies had to be at his best to tip over Darren Roland’s effort. Conway sealed the game with a stunning own goal from GLA left back Shaun Nash on 84 minutes which caused a great deal of on pitch chuckling – The ball was delivered into the box but in attempting to clear it for a corner, Nash smashed it into the top corner from 15 yards out to give himself the chance to take over the mantle from Brett Griffin as the scorer of the best ever own goal! Conway saw the game out with ease and a 3-1 scoreline was probably just about right given Conway had the better of the possession in the second half – A good game played by both sides in a cracking spirit.

Two internal cup matches to review next and both of them were decided on penalties. Rubery Athletic and Alcester Town had a frustrating 90 minutes with no goals in the WA Harris Cup Round 1 match, so straight to the shoot out and Spencer Hunt saved 3 penalties for the home side as they edged through 3-2. In the Premier Cup quarter-final, Lickey End Social had got themselves into the driving seat with a 3-1 half time lead over Thomas Brothers, before Brothers came back in the second to force the shoot out, which they won 4-3. Goals for the Brothers in normal time came courtesy of Ian Wroe, Daniel Price and an own goal; Brothers now face Belbroughton Athletic away in the semi-final.

Six League games complete this weeks review and in Division 1, Bromsgrove United are up to fifth place after a 4-0 home win over AFC Northfield. Jahmal Trevis, Jamie Halsall, Brad Bullimore and the now traditional own goal the scorers.

Division 2 action saw Hizza United score yet another hatful, this time double figures, as they notched up an 11-3 victory over bottom side Bridgefield, a result which moves them up to fourth place. Woodgate Valley are up to third place after a 5-2 home win over Bromsgrove Brentnal whilst Rubery Juniors had a great game at Hewell, coming away 7-3 victors. In-form Dean Hodges scored the first two, one from the spot, before Hewell pegged them back with a pocket rocket shot. James Mcdonald netted the third Juniors goal just before the half-time oranges, heading home Jake Wickett’s measured flag kick. Wicketts got in on the scoring act for Juniors fourth goal before Rob Beadle netted the fifth. Juniors started to panic when Hewell hit two quick goals to bring it back to 5-3. Ryan Khan left helpless in goal, but Wicketts with two more composed finishes saw the job through and the three points were heading back to Baytree Farm in safe keeping along with a mid table league placing.

In Division 3, Laburnum’s dismal season continued as Rubery scored another load of goals past them, the league leaders putting 11 past Wez Daniel’s men to open up a 12 point lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Arrow Valley were involved in another high scoring game, this time with Chaddesley Corbett Reserves who will be kicking themselves that they didn’t take the points, having raced into a 3 goal lead early doors. The next four goals went Valley’s way before Chadds equalized for what would have been a fair point, however disaster struck in the dying embers of the match as Jay Russell netted the winner (other Valley goals coming from Rob Voice with a brace, Garry Harvey and Jamie Callaghan).

So all in all, a decent week’s action and as we move into November, we’ll be starting up weather watch again and our formal link up with the weather forecasters will re-commence as we attempt to keep an eye on what games will survive as Winter edges closer. It’s the Worcester Nursing Cup Round 2 next week so we wish our six teams in this competition the best of luck whilst we have some internal cup games to relish, including the Stoke Prior derby as Stoke Prior take on Stoke Sporting Reserves in the Rose Bowl quarter-final; Two out of form sides and we guess anything could happen! Alcester Town and Thomas Brothers face off in the Prem whilst Spa Athletic v Conway Albion will be a competitive game in the first tier. With Division 2 and Division 3 sides also in league action, we’ll have a full round up next Sunday as usualBack to County Cup action for Week 12 of the BDFL programme and a mixed bag of results with a couple of surprise turnovers but we are still flying in the Junior Cup.

In the WFA Premier Cup, we only have one representative still standing and that is WCT Youth Raiders who beat arch rivals The Gloster Arms 3-1 thanks to a double from Anthony Smith and one from Toby Attwood. VBG Fairfield are finding the County Premier Cup a difficult nut to crack as they bowed out on spot kicks, after drawing 3-3 in normal time with Stourport Swifts. Goals from Richard Bishop, Laurence Martin (a low free kick) and Dan Wilkes, although Wilkes thought he had another but the ball was reckoned to have not crossed the line. Ellis Blakemore and Ryan Molesworth the men whose missed spot kicks proved costly. Belbroughton Athletic unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition this morning.

In the WFA Minor Cup, we are down to one representative and this came courtesy of a walkover so it’s up to you Bromsgrove Corinthians in the next Conference date! We expected Callowbrook Green to have too much for St Peters from Worcester Division 4 but they went out by a disappointing 4-2 scoreline, perhaps a few too missing on a drinking session in Nottingham. Queens Head took care of Pat Sullivan’s FC Bromsgrove (6-2) whilst Stoke Sporting Reserves limped out at Lionfields, a 6-0 victory for the Kidderminster League side. SSR didn’t help themselves by having to play with ten men for some of the game after Ollie Clayton’s needless red card for foul and abusive language.

In the WFA Junior Cup, we march on and lots of our teams are into Round 3. Division 2 Meadow Park got the better of Division 1 Spa Athletic 2-0 in the BDFL derby game whilst Rednal Social Club enjoyed their long trip to Harvington Cricket Club coming away with a 4-2 victory over Harvington thanks to Ben Markall’s brace and one a piece for Kyle Morrison and Ryan Vaughan. Bartley Green Illey Sunday and Northfield Athletic both won their respective games 9-1 against Areley Kings and Cropthorne and these games proved to be a lot easier than anticipated. In the case of Northfield, Reiss Brians was their hat-trick hero and when he scored the opening two goals inside the first 17 minutes, you sensed it was going to be a home win. Josh Moore and Daniel Gibbs had made it 4-0 by the half-time whistle was blown and the goalscoring spree continued in the second half too with Brians getting his hat-trick done and dusted by the 58th minute. With the Cropthorne defenders now tiring, Northfield took full advantage with Michael Teji netting on 60 and the stylish John Jackson on 79. Paul Newman scored on 83 before Cropthorne’s consolation on 84 past stand in keeper Luke Bench; The goals were topped off by Teji’s stunning free-kick on 89 to round off a classy home win. All of this high scoring continues without star man Jason Cowley who is believed to be out of action for a period of time with his foot currently in one of those large moon boots!

Bartley Green Illey Sunday also had hat-trick heroes in their ranks today with their 9-1 win, experienced old heads Colin Tandy and Carl Martin both netting three goals each, with the returning Jon Myrie two and the slick dresser Danny Lawrence with another. Stoke Sporting remain in fine form and they saw off a potential banana skin with a 6-1 win over LPR in another all BDFL clash. Michael Griffiths opened the scoring early on (which might actually be an own goal), before LPR equalized after Stoke lost their heads at a corner kick and allowed an all too easy concede. James Chaffe put Stoke ahead before half-time and the natives in the adjacent caravans were happy despite the game being scrappy. In the second half, Stoke made it 3-1 when Ryan Cooper found the head of Nick Baker before he repeated the assist, this time for PJ Warman to net at 4.1. Ben Johnson netted a fifth, another debatable goal in respect of being awarded to that player when an own goal looked favourite, before Paul Badger became yet another different scorer with the sixth. Nobody will want to play Stoke Sporting whilst they are in this mood. Sporting Rednal were also successful and their 4-1 win over Evesham League big boys (and unbeaten big boys!) Bretferton Old Boys is a stunning result. Bretferton were taking this game very seriously with their warm up and early arrival, but Rednal’s high energy levels won the early exchanges and it was no surprise when Josh Campbell headed home Michael Connolly’s centre for the opening goal. Bretferton counter-attacked well and equalized through this, before missing a glaring chance to go ahead. Rednal’s second goal came in a role reversal of the opener, Connolly this time scoring after Campbell’s set up. Andy Gibson’s goal in the second half after wonderful team play gave Rednal a crucial two goal lead and they needed it as Bretferton went on the attack and were unfortunate to hit the woodwork twice. Anton Gardner Bennett’s fourth goal was the icing for Rednal on a fine win against good opposition, a great boost for the BDFL to despatch a team such as Bretferton which would have been unheard of five years ago. Unfortunately Wychbold RBL weren’t able to make it a perfect Junior Cup day as they lost 3-0 to Worcester Saints, who are fast becoming a bogey side having knocked out three BDFL teams already from various competitions – Let’s hope one of our sides can get revenge in the next round!

In the Bridgwater Cup and LMS Shield, two more group games were chalked off. Chaps United after a week off had a 6-3 win over Stoke Prior, whilst in Group B of the LMS Shield, Conway Albion went top of that group after a 3-1 victory over GLA. In an evenly matched first half, Conway had decent possession but weren’t able to do a lot with it. The opening goal came in the 33rd minute when Conway fell asleep as Luke Benson’s stuttering run up for a free kick saw him kick the ball just after the referee’s whistle and the defence watched as James Burrows headed home. Benson then missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 after fast counter attacking play; The outstanding GLA evergreen veteran Stee Collett held the ball up, pushed it wide to Sam Partridge who galloped on and put it across the area to the onrushing Benson who scuffed his shot wide. Conway had been well in the game up until the first goal, with Joel Francis, Niall Cole and Matt Jordan all showing trickery of the highest BDFL Division 1 quality. In the second half, Conway equalized after 50 minutes when Simon White was out-muscled and Jordan fired home from 8 yards. Conway scored again midway through the half when a fine left wing ball was attacked with precision by Cole who poked home a lovely finish from near the penalty spot. With Collett, Partridge and Benson all surprisingly taken off, the GLA threat now came from Marcus Allbutt and he missed a glorious chance to equalize but fired over from 6 yards, whilst Hereward Davies had to be at his best to tip over Darren Roland’s effort. Conway sealed the game with a stunning own goal from GLA left back Shaun Nash on 84 minutes which caused a great deal of on pitch chuckling – The ball was delivered into the box but in attempting to clear it for a corner, Nash smashed it into the top corner from 15 yards out to give himself the chance to take over the mantle from Brett Griffin as the scorer of the best ever own goal! Conway saw the game out with ease and a 3-1 scoreline was probably just about right given Conway had the better of the possession in the second half – A good game played by both sides in a cracking spirit.

Two internal cup matches to review next and both of them were decided on penalties. Rubery Athletic and Alcester Town had a frustrating 90 minutes with no goals in the WA Harris Cup Round 1 match, so straight to the shoot out and Spencer Hunt saved 3 penalties for the home side as they edged through 3-2. In the Premier Cup quarter-final, Lickey End Social had got themselves into the driving seat with a 3-1 half time lead over Thomas Brothers, before Brothers came back in the second to force the shoot out, which they won 4-3. Goals for the Brothers in normal time came courtesy of Ian Wroe, Daniel Price and an own goal; Brothers now face Belbroughton Athletic away in the semi-final.

Six League games complete this weeks review and in Division 1, Bromsgrove United are up to fifth place after a 4-0 home win over AFC Northfield. Jahmal Trevis, Jamie Halsall, Brad Bullimore and the now traditional own goal the scorers.

Division 2 action saw Hizza United score yet another hatful, this time double figures, as they notched up an 11-3 victory over bottom side Bridgefield, a result which moves them up to fourth place. Woodgate Valley are up to third place after a 5-2 home win over Bromsgrove Brentnal whilst Rubery Juniors had a great game at Hewell, coming away 7-3 victors. In-form Dean Hodges scored the first two, one from the spot, before Hewell pegged them back with a pocket rocket shot. James Mcdonald netted the third Juniors goal just before the half-time oranges, heading home Jake Wickett’s measured flag kick. Wicketts got in on the scoring act for Juniors fourth goal before Rob Beadle netted the fifth. Juniors started to panic when Hewell hit two quick goals to bring it back to 5-3. Ryan Khan left helpless in goal, but Wicketts with two more composed finishes saw the job through and the three points were heading back to Baytree Farm in safe keeping along with a mid table league placing.

In Division 3, Laburnum’s dismal season continued as Rubery scored another load of goals past them, the league leaders putting 11 past Wez Daniel’s men to open up a 12 point lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Arrow Valley were involved in another high scoring game, this time with Chaddesley Corbett Reserves who will be kicking themselves that they didn’t take the points, having raced into a 3 goal lead early doors. The next four goals went Valley’s way before Chadds equalized for what would have been a fair point, however disaster struck in the dying embers of the match as Jay Russell netted the winner (other Valley goals coming from Rob Voice with a brace, Garry Harvey and Jamie Callaghan).

So all in all, a decent week’s action and as we move into November, we’ll be starting up weather watch again and our formal link up with the weather forecasters will re-commence as we attempt to keep an eye on what games will survive as Winter edges closer. It’s the Worcester Nursing Cup Round 2 next week so we wish our six teams in this competition the best of luck whilst we have some internal cup games to relish, including the Stoke Prior derby as Stoke Prior take on Stoke Sporting Reserves in the Rose Bowl quarter-final; Two out of form sides and we guess anything could happen! Alcester Town and Thomas Brothers face off in the Prem whilst Spa Athletic v Conway Albion will be a competitive game in the first tier. With Division 2 and Division 3 sides also in league action, we’ll have a full round up next Sunday as usual